Dr. Mike Murdock recalled the story of a woman in one of his teachings. She dated a man whom the Holy Spirit did not approve of. The Spirit prompted her to let go of the relationship but she stuck to her gun and went ahead to marry him. Things did not go well with her in that relationship. When she met Dr. Murdock, she told him, “I know the spot and the hour where the Holy Spirit told me to break off from this man, but I refused. I have had nothing to show for it but miseries and heartaches.” This leads to our text – those who care to listen to God’s guidance will dwell safely and be free from the fear of evil.

those who care to listen to God’s guidance will dwell safely and be free from the fear of evil…All the blessings in scripture are tied to listening to the Lord…only those who allow God to instruct them and follow through in obedience will be able to escape the perils of the hour.

In our previous meditation, we learned of God’s commitment to guide His people all through life. It is a terrible thing not to know the way to go. It is far worse to know where God is leading and still choose to go the opposite way. Jesus taught that the servant who is ignorant of his master’s will but does things worthy of punishment will receive a few strokes. It is worse for the servant who knows but fails to comply. Such servant will receive many stripes. It is not good to be ignorant, but it is far worse to know God’s will and fail to obey. All the blessings in scripture are tied to listening to the Lord. To listen is more than taking in information intelligently. It implies obedience. In other words, only those who allow God to instruct them and follow through in obedience will be able to escape the perils of the hour.